BUCKINGHAM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH November 8, 2020

TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

11:00 A.M. Rev. Mark Piedmonte

Music Director – Gregory Fraser * Congregation will stand

THE GATHERING

PRELUDE with SILENT PRAYERS: Grief Lyric Piece – “Noturno” GREETINGS & ANNOUNCEMENTS - During Covid, masks are required. There will be no singing other than by the minister and organist. At this time there is no need to stand during designated hymns except for the GLORIA PATRI and the DOXOLOGY out of worship and honor. Hymn lyrics are provided as inserts so you may participate spiritually. We do not touch hymnals, friendship pads, Bibles, or offering plates. Offering is to be placed in plate when exiting. INTROIT: “My Lord! What a Morning” (See Insert to follow along) *CALL TO WORSHIP (Leader/People)

Leader: Rejoice and be glad! All: For God is our salvation. Leader: Rejoice and be glad! All: For God is great.

*OPENING PRAYER

Leader: Let us pray: All: Eternal God, you are our hope and our salvation, for in Jesus Christ you have conquered death. Baptized in him, we are raised to new life. Increase in us our faith and keep us watchful, that we may welcome Christ with joy when he comes to set the whole world free. Amen.

*HYMN: “When Peace like a River” (See Insert) PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Leader: Our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus and his righteousness. Trusting in the mercy of God, let us confess our sin that we might find forgiveness and new life in Christ. Let us pray: All: Holy and gracious God, you are all light and wonder and glory. You are our strength and our delight; you give us all we need to live. Yet we are distracted by all that glitters, continually grasping for more. Rather than trust in fully in your divine providence, we chase after gods of our making, trusting in them to secure our happiness. Forgive us, Lord, and turn us back to you. Overwhelm us with your goodness and cover us with grace, for we know that you are the source of life, the fount of all that is good. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

Leader: Sisters and brothers, rejoice and be glad, for God is mighty to save and comes to you in peace to forgive, restore, and strengthen you eternally in Christ. All: Thanks you God! Amen.

*GLORIA PATRI (Please stand) Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is

now and ever shall be. World without end. Amen. Amen.

*WORDS & GESTURES OF PEACE: (turn to extend signs of peace to neighbors from a distance)

Leader: The peace of Christ be with you. All: And also with you.

*SONG OF PRAISE: “O Lord, How Shall I Meet You” (See Insert) CHILDREN’S MESSAGE: “Be Prepared!” Rev. Mark Piedmonte PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

Leader: Let us pray All: Send your Spirit to move in our world and stir the water of our souls that we may desire a word of instruction that awakens us to the joy of your coming reign. Amen.

READING OF THE WORD Amos 5:18-24 Matthew 25:1-13

SERMON: “Okay, but just so you know…” Rev. Mark Piedmonte AFFIRMATION OF FAITH: The Apostles’ Creed (Traditional)

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

*HYMN: “Be Still, My Soul” (See Insert) SHARING OF PRAYERS for JOYS and CONCERNS PASTORAL PRAYER (Responsive): Leader: Eternal God; All: hear our prayer VETERANS’ DAY PRAYER (See Insert) THE LORD’S PRAYER (Unison)

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we

forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the

kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

OFFERTORY INVITATION TO THE OFFERING *SONG OF DEDICATION: (Doxology – Please stand) “Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God all creatures here below; Praise God above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.” Amen. *PRAYER OF DEDICATION Rev. Mark Piedmonte *CLOSING HYMN: “Today We All Are Called to Be Disciples” (See Insert) *BENEDICTION BPC THEME SONG: Go now in peace . . . POSTLUDE: Grieg Lyric Piece – “March of the Peasants”

ANNOUNCEMENTS TODAY, November 8, 2020 23rd Sunday after Pentecost

9:00am 11:00am

CONTEMPORARY Worship Service – Taylor Hall TRADITIONAL Worship Service – Sanctuary – Families and kids are encouraged to remain the entire time

THIS WEEK: November 9 - 14, 2020

Monday, November 9 Tuesday, November 10 Wednesday, November 11 Thursday, November 12 Friday, November 13 Saturday, Nov. 14

Sharing & Caring 6:30pm Kids Group 5-6pm; Trustee Mtg. 6:30pm Deacons Mtg. 6pm; YA Group 6-7pm AA Special Meeting 6pm; Inductive Bible Study 6:30-8pm Inductive Bible Study 10-11:30am; S’More Jesus – Messy Church 6pm Carry-out dinners – See “Schedule of Events”

MARK YOUR CALENDARS – SEE ALSO “SCHEDULE OF EVENTS”

Sunday, Nov. 15 Thursday, Nov. 26 Sunday, Nov. 29 Sunday, Dec. 6

Stewardship Sunday; Shoeboxes are due! Annual Thanksgiving Breakfast 9am First Advent Communion Sunday – both services Combined Worship Services 10am followed by Annual Congregational Meeting

STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY – Sunday, November 15th - Letters and Pledge cards have gone out to all members along with a mail-in envelope. Although the envelope says PAID, it does require a stamp. You may mail in your Pledge or bring for the offering at both worship services on Sunday morning. We thank you all for continuing to support your church and its many important programs.

THANKSGIVING BREAKFAST Thursday, November 26th 9-10am – break bread with your church family and give thanks for your many blessings.

BACKPACK PROGRAM f/OC Elementary Middle School: Only $10 feeds a child for an entire weekend; $300 feeds them for an entire year! If you receive BJs coupons, please bring the leftover coupons in. We shop at BJs for the backpack program – it’s a great way to help our dollars stretch a little further!

SPECIAL THROUGHOUT ADVENT – SHEEP TRAIL! Can you spot the sheep in our local stores? Between November 27 – December 25, local businesses will display sheep in their windows. Children will have a chance to find them scavenger hunt style! How fun!

ADVENT CANDLE LIGHTERS/ READERS NEEDED FOR ADVENT SERVICES AT 9 & 11AM – These will be short and simple readings coupled with candle lightings each week. Dates: Nov. 29, Dec. 6, 13, and 20. Who wants to help out? See Pastor Mark.

ANNOUNCEMENTS TODAY, November 8, 2020 23rd Sunday after Pentecost

9:00am 11:00am

CONTEMPORARY Worship Service – Taylor Hall TRADITIONAL Worship Service – Sanctuary – Families and kids are encouraged to remain the entire time

THIS WEEK: November 9 - 14, 2020

Monday, November 9 Tuesday, November 10 Wednesday, November 11 Thursday, November 12 Friday, November 13 Saturday, Nov. 14

Sharing & Caring 6:30pm Kids Group 5-6pm; Trustee Mtg. 6:30pm Deacons Mtg. 6pm; YA Group 6-7pm AA Special Meeting 6pm; Inductive Bible Study 6:30-8pm Inductive Bible Study 10-11:30am; S’More Jesus – Messy Church 6pm Carry-out dinners – See “Schedule of Events”

MARK YOUR CALENDARS – SEE ALSO “SCHEDULE OF EVENTS”

Sunday, Nov. 15 Thursday, Nov. 26 Sunday, Nov. 29 Sunday, Dec. 6

Stewardship Sunday; Shoeboxes are due! Annual Thanksgiving Breakfast 9am First Advent Communion Sunday – both services Combined Worship Services 10am followed by Annual Congregational Meeting

STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY – Sunday, November 15th - Letters and Pledge cards have gone out to all members along with a mail-in envelope. Although the envelope says PAID, it does require a stamp. You may mail in your Pledge or bring for the offering at both worship services on Sunday morning. We thank you all for continuing to support your church and its many important programs.

THANKSGIVING BREAKFAST Thursday, November 26th 9-10am – break bread with your church family and give thanks for your many blessings.

BACKPACK PROGRAM f/OC Elementary Middle School: Only $10 feeds a child for an entire weekend; $300 feeds them for an entire year! If you receive BJs coupons, please bring the leftover coupons in. We shop at BJs for the backpack program – it’s a great way to help our dollars stretch a little further!

SPECIAL THROUGHOUT ADVENT – SHEEP TRAIL! Can you spot the sheep in our local stores? Between November 27 – December 25, local businesses will display sheep in their windows. Children will have a chance to find them scavenger hunt style! How fun!

ADVENT CANDLE LIGHTERS/ READERS NEEDED FOR ADVENT SERVICES AT 9 & 11AM – These will be short and simple readings coupled with candle lightings each week. Dates: Nov. 29, Dec. 6, 13, and 20. Who wants to help out? See Pastor Mark.

STAFF HOURS: Pastor: Tuesday 3-5pm, Wednesday 1-3pm, Friday 10am-Noon Secretary: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10am – 3pm Custodian: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday (hours flexible and as needed)

STAFF HOURS: Pastor: Tuesday 3-5pm, Wednesday 1-3pm, Friday 10am-Noon Secretary: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10am – 3pm Custodian: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday (hours flexible and as needed)

INTROIT: MY LORD! WHAT A MORNING My Lord! What a morning; my Lord! What a morning; O my Lord! What a morning, when the stars begin to fall, When the stars begin to fall. 1ST HYMN: WHEN PEACE LIKE A RIVER

1.When peace like a river attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say It is well, it is well with my soul

(Anthem) It is well (it is well) With my soul (with my soul) It is well, it is well with my soul

2. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, Let this blest assurance control That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate, And hath shed His own blood for my soul (Anthem) 3. He lives, oh the bliss of this glorious thought My sin, not in part, but the whole Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul! (Anthem) 4. Lord, hasten the day when our faith shall be sight The clouds be rolled back as a scroll The trumpet shall sound, and the Lord shall descend Even so, it is well with my soul! (Anthem) .SONG OF PRAISE: O LORD, HOW SHALL I MEET YOU O Lord, how shall I meet you, how welcome you aright? Your people long to greet you, my hope, my heart’s delight! O kindle, Lord most holy, a lamp within my breast, To do in spirit lowly all that may please you best. 2nd HYMN: BE STILL, MY SOUL 1. Be still, my soul, The Lord is on thy side Bear patiently, the cross of grief or pain Leave to thy God, to order and provide Who through changes, faithful will remain Be still, my soul, thy best thy heavenly friend Through thorny ways, leads to a joyful end 2. Be still, my soul, thy God doth undertake To guide the future surely as the past Thy hope, thy confidence, let nothing shake All now mysterious shall be bright at last Be still, my soul, the waves and wind still know His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below

INTROIT: MY LORD! WHAT A MORNING My Lord! What a morning; my Lord! What a morning; O my Lord! What a morning, when the stars begin to fall, When the stars begin to fall. 1ST HYMN: WHEN PEACE LIKE A RIVER

1.When peace like a river attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say It is well, it is well with my soul

(Anthem) It is well (it is well) With my soul (with my soul) It is well, it is well with my soul

2. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, Let this blest assurance control That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate, And hath shed His own blood for my soul (Anthem) 3. He lives, oh the bliss of this glorious thought My sin, not in part, but the whole Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul! (Anthem) 4. Lord, hasten the day when our faith shall be sight The clouds be rolled back as a scroll The trumpet shall sound, and the Lord shall descend Even so, it is well with my soul! (Anthem) .SONG OF PRAISE: O LORD, HOW SHALL I MEET YOU O Lord, how shall I meet you, how welcome you aright? Your people long to greet you, my hope, my heart’s delight! O kindle, Lord most holy, a lamp within my breast, To do in spirit lowly all that may please you best. 2nd HYMN: BE STILL, MY SOUL 1. Be still, my soul, The Lord is on thy side Bear patiently, the cross of grief or pain Leave to thy God, to order and provide Who through changes, faithful will remain Be still, my soul, thy best thy heavenly friend Through thorny ways, leads to a joyful end 2. Be still, my soul, thy God doth undertake To guide the future surely as the past Thy hope, thy confidence, let nothing shake All now mysterious shall be bright at last Be still, my soul, the waves and wind still know His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below

3. Be still, my soul, the hour is hastening on When we shall be forever with the Lord When disappointment, grief and fear are gone Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored Be still, my soul, when change and tears are past All safe and blessed, we shall meet at last

CLOSING HYMN: TODAY WE ALL ARE CALLED TO BE DISCIPLES Today we are all called to be Disciples of the Lord, To help to set the captives free, Make plow-share out of sword, To feed the hungry, quench their thirst, Make love and peace our fast, To serve the poor and homeless first, Our ease and comfort last. God made the world and at its birth Ordained our human race To live as stewards of the earth, Responding to God's grace. But we are vain and sadly proud, We sow not peace but strife, Our discord spreads a deadly cloud That threatens all of life. Pray justice may come rolling down As in a mighty stream, With righteousness in field and town To cleanse us and redeem. For God is longing to restore An earth where conflicts cease, A world that was created for A harmony of peace. May we in service to our God Act out the living word, And walk the road the saints have trod Till all have seen and heard. As stewards of the earth may we Give thanks in one accord To God who calls us all to be

Disciples of the Lord.

3. Be still, my soul, the hour is hastening on When we shall be forever with the Lord When disappointment, grief and fear are gone Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored Be still, my soul, when change and tears are past All safe and blessed, we shall meet at last

CLOSING HYMN: TODAY WE ALL ARE CALLED TO BE DISCIPLES Today we are all called to be Disciples of the Lord, To help to set the captives free, Make plow-share out of sword, To feed the hungry, quench their thirst, Make love and peace our fast, To serve the poor and homeless first, Our ease and comfort last. God made the world and at its birth Ordained our human race To live as stewards of the earth, Responding to God's grace. But we are vain and sadly proud, We sow not peace but strife, Our discord spreads a deadly cloud That threatens all of life. Pray justice may come rolling down As in a mighty stream, With righteousness in field and town To cleanse us and redeem. For God is longing to restore An earth where conflicts cease, A world that was created for A harmony of peace. May we in service to our God Act out the living word, And walk the road the saints have trod Till all have seen and heard. As stewards of the earth may we Give thanks in one accord To God who calls us all to be

Disciples of the Lord.

Prayer for Veterans’ Day There have always been wars, dear God, because there have always been problems between human beings. Throughout our history together, battle lines have been drawn and nations have fought with one another. We wish it were not so, and that we human beings had the kind of love and insight that would prevent war. Deep down we all long for the day when swords are turned in plowshares – and war is learned no more.

But until that day we pray for all men and women who have bravely and selflessly answered the call to serve in the military and fight their countries’ wars. We thank you for their courage and often their heroism as they have faced the enemy in battle. We praise their selfless acts on behalf of fellow soldiers. We extol their wisdom gathered from the battlefield. For the fallen – we commend their souls to you. For the living who fight the battles of disability – be they physical, mental or spiritual, along with the debilitating and painful memories that can only come from war – we pray for their comfort, peace and strength to let go, to rest in your grace, and to know a new sense of their life’s purpose.

We remember especially all who presently serve in the armed forces - ours and other countries - and pray for their continued safety and welfare. As they encounter danger, give them patience in fear and enable them to be at peace with you and with themselves. Bless the families of all who serve in the armed forces and patiently await their return home. Bless the families who love and care for veterans at home. May your Holy Spirit rest upon them like a mantle to preserve them from anxiety and harm. This we pray all this in the name of the Prince of Peace, your son, our savior Jesus. All: Amen

Prayer for Veterans’ Day There have always been wars, dear God, because there have always been problems between human beings. Throughout our history together, battle lines have been drawn and nations have fought with one another. We wish it were not so, and that we human beings had the kind of love and insight that would prevent war. Deep down we all long for the day when swords are turned in plowshares – and war is learned no more.

But until that day we pray for all men and women who have bravely and selflessly answered the call to serve in the military and fight their countries’ wars. We thank you for their courage and often their heroism as they have faced the enemy in battle. We praise their selfless acts on behalf of fellow soldiers. We extol their wisdom gathered from the battlefield. For the fallen – we commend their souls to you. For the living who fight the battles of disability – be they physical, mental or spiritual, along with the debilitating and painful memories that can only come from war – we pray for their comfort, peace and strength to let go, to rest in your grace, and to know a new sense of their life’s purpose.

We remember especially all who presently serve in the armed forces - ours and other countries - and pray for their continued safety and welfare. As they encounter danger, give them patience in fear and enable them to be at peace with you and with themselves. Bless the families of all who serve in the armed forces and patiently await their return home. Bless the families who love and care for veterans at home. May your Holy Spirit rest upon them like a mantle to preserve them from anxiety and harm. This we pray all this in the name of the Prince of Peace, your son, our savior Jesus. All: Amen

*Friday, November 13 – S’more Time with Jesus – Messy Church! – 6 PM in Taylor Hall Families and youth are welcome to come and see what Messy Church is all about! (And no, the Trustees need not worry – it’s not how it sounds!) Messy Church is a family-based worship service which involves teaching, fun music, crafts and more. Come learn all about it! *Saturday, November 14 – Take Out Dinners and Home Deliveries – Hosted by Congregational Life Place your orders for a home cooked dinner of baked ziti and all the fixins – with dessert too, of course! Sign up, too, to deliver a meal to a neighbor who may not be able to get out and about. Pick up between 4 and 6pm, please specify a time and number of meals. Sign-up sheets are coming soon, or call any member of the Congregational Life committee for details. *Friday, November 27 – Smore Time Paint Night – Christmas Time Paintings – 6 PM in Taylor Hall Cost = $5 per child. Sign Up required. RSVP by November 23. Funds raised will benefit local missions. *Friday, December 4 – TREE LIGTHTING – 5 PM on the church front lawn - All are invited for an outdoor twist on our annual tree decorating and lighting. We will meet outside to decorate a beautiful tree. Then we’ll light it up in anticipation of our celebration of the birth of Jesus, the light of the world. Children’s Christmas movies will be shown drive-in style. All are welcome. Bundle up! *Saturday, December 5 – Breakfast with Santa – 8:30 or 10:00 AM in Taylor Hall. RSVP by Dec 30. All are invited to come and enjoy an all you can eat pancake and sausage breakfast along with the big man in red! Bring your camera pictures with Santa will be safely available. Reservations are needed for both seatings. $5 for 3-12 year old $7 13 and up, under 3 free. *Friday, December 11 – Messy Church Christmas Family Worship Night – 6-8 PM in Taylor Hall - All are invited to come celebrate a “Messy” Christmas together with a special worship service geared for children and families. Come for music, learning, crafts and more. Refreshments will be served. Reservations are required as space is limited. RSVP by December 7. A free will offertory of clean and gently uses shoes for the Got Shoes program will be accepted.

*Friday, December 18 – Nativity Pageant - 5 PM on the church front lawn – In lieu of our annual play, all are invited instead for this special presentation as our children place the figures in the creche while the story of Jesus’s birth is read. Bring a chair and a blanket and come get ready for the most holy night.

*Friday, November 13 – S’more Time with Jesus – Messy Church! – 6 PM in Taylor Hall Families and youth are welcome to come and see what Messy Church is all about! (And no, the Trustees need not worry – it’s not how it sounds!) Messy Church is a family-based worship service which involves teaching, fun music, crafts and more. Come learn all about it! *Saturday, November 14 – Take Out Dinners and Home Deliveries – Hosted by Congregational Life Place your orders for a home cooked dinner of baked ziti and all the fixins – with dessert too, of course! Sign up, too, to deliver a meal to a neighbor who may not be able to get out and about. Pick up between 4 and 6pm, please specify a time and number of meals. Sign-up sheets are coming soon, or call any member of the Congregational Life committee for details. *Friday, November 27 – Smore Time Paint Night – Christmas Time Paintings – 6 PM in Taylor Hall Cost = $5 per child. Sign Up required. RSVP by November 23. Funds raised will benefit local missions. *Friday, December 4 – TREE LIGTHTING – 5 PM on the church front lawn - All are invited for an outdoor twist on our annual tree decorating and lighting. We will meet outside to decorate a beautiful tree. Then we’ll light it up in anticipation of our celebration of the birth of Jesus, the light of the world. Children’s Christmas movies will be shown drive-in style. All are welcome. Bundle up! *Saturday, December 5 – Breakfast with Santa – 8:30 or 10:00 AM in Taylor Hall. RSVP by Dec 30. All are invited to come and enjoy an all you can eat pancake and sausage breakfast along with the big man in red! Bring your camera pictures with Santa will be safely available. Reservations are needed for both seatings. $5 for 3-12 year old $7 13 and up, under 3 free. *Friday, December 11 – Messy Church Christmas Family Worship Night – 6-8 PM in Taylor Hall - All are invited to come celebrate a “Messy” Christmas together with a special worship service geared for children and families. Come for music, learning, crafts and more. Refreshments will be served. Reservations are required as space is limited. RSVP by December 7. A free will offertory of clean and gently uses shoes for the Got Shoes program will be accepted.

*Friday, December 18 – Nativity Pageant - 5 PM on the church front lawn – In lieu of our annual play, all are invited instead for this special presentation as our children place the figures in the creche while the story of Jesus’s birth is read. Bring a chair and a blanket and come get ready for the most holy night.